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Joan Aleman (center) poses with her student nominator Hannah Matthew (left) and her husband Chris Aleman (right).
As the end of the 2023-24 school year comes to a close, teachers once again juggled it all while keeping students on track academically. It has never been more important to honor the hard work of the region’s teachers and their innovative approaches to enriching students’ minds whether through humor, equity and inclusion or unique approaches to the Chinese language or job training curriculum.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Teacher of the Month program concludes with the readers’ choice winner. Out of hundreds of nominations, world geography and history teacher Joan Aleman from Parkway Central Middle School in the Parkway School District received the most votes from readers.
A LIFETIME OF EDUCATING YOUNG MINDS
Aleman began her teaching journey outside of the traditional classroom, and inside her church. She dedicated 20 years to volunteer teaching eighth-grade students at the Parish School of Religion.
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“Through this commitment, I cultivated a deep passion for education and nurturing young minds, while laying the foundation for my rewarding career in teaching,” Aleman said.
Upon discovering this newfound love, Aleman enrolled at the University of Missouri – St. Louis to receive a degree in Middle School Education with a minor in History. She then proceeded to receive two master’s degrees: Middle School Education and ESOL Education at Lindenwood University and Webster University respectively. During her time in college, she met someone who would greatly impact her career.
“My education journey began with a transformative student teaching experience under the esteemed guidance of Mr. Randy Krone at Parkway Central Middle School,” Aleman said. “Upon graduation, I embarked on my professional career in the Wright City School District, where I taught eighth-grade English Language Arts and Reading.”
After her time at Wright City School District, Aleman returned to Parkway Central Middle School, where she still teaches today.
“I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with exceptional educators across all grade levels. Together, we’ve unpacked the complexities and captivating narratives of eighth-grade American History and seventh-grade Ancient World History,” Aleman said. “Finally, I embarked on a fulfilling journey guiding sixth-grade students through World Geography and its impact on Ancient History.”
TRANSPORTING STUDENTS TO A WORLD LONG AGO
Aleman goes beyond the books to engage her students in her lessons by utilizing a variety of untraditional teaching methods.
“By incorporating tangible artifacts, students can touch and feel the essence of history. These artifacts serve as portals, connecting students directly to the past and fostering a deeper understanding of the people and cultures we study,” Aleman said. “Furthermore, I create activities such as skits and role-playing exercises, effectively transforming the classroom into a stage where history comes alive. Through these interactive experiences, students become active participants in their learning journey, embodying the roles of historical figures and engaging with the complexities of ancient societies firsthand,”
Students also can go outside classroom walls and explore the outdoors through an outdoor education camp. Aleman’s goal for the camp is to deepen students’ understanding of nature while preparing them for reality outside the classroom.
“My overarching aim for every student is to instill a comprehensive understanding of history within the broader context of geography. By demonstrating how individuals and groups are influenced by their geographical surroundings, my goal is to foster an appreciation for the dynamics between location and decision-making processes,” Aleman said. “This holistic approach enables students to navigate and comprehend the complexities of the world around them.”
GRATITUDE FOR STUDENTS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Out of all nominations and votes received for the 2023-24 Teacher of the Month program, Aleman received a nomination from a previous student. She reflected on what this honor feels like and what it means for teachers worldwide.
“I am deeply grateful to the remarkable young woman who wrote such a heartfelt nomination letter. Her kind words have profoundly impacted me. Additionally, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all my current and past students, as well as family members, who took the time to vote for me. Their support means the world to me, and I am truly humbled by this experience,” Aleman said. “Receiving this honor is beyond words, and it ranks among the most rewarding moments of my career. I am keenly aware that many dedicated teachers go unnoticed for their hard work and unwavering commitment to their students. All teachers deserve acknowledgment for their tireless efforts in shaping the minds and hearts of students everywhere.”
Aleman received a $250 gift card courtesy of Elco-Chevrolet Cadillac for being selected as the readers’ choice nominee of the Teacher of the Month program. To read all the stories in the 2023-24 Teacher of the Month program, visit STLtoday.com/teachers.
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